HOLYPORT FC NEWS

Port On Ice? - 3 February

Holyport will be hoping that the weather turns out to be warmer than predicted, with forecasts showing -3c in Bracknell tonight and only highs of 1c throughout the day it looks very unlikely that Port will be playing their game at against Wokingham & Emmbrook tomorrow.

If this is the case it will leave the squad and management team very frustrated as in recent weeks the side had shown some good form with 2 wins and 3 draws in their last six games.

With all the games being called off it has allowed the Reserves to take centre stage and they have played some impressive football of late with wins last Saturday against Reading Town and also on Tuesday night away to Henley Town. Their recent results has moved them up to 5th and considering it is a completely new side and setup this season they will now set their sights on a top 4 finish.

Toughest League Challenge - 20 January

Holyport face their toughest challenge of their current Uhlsport Hellenic Football League Premier Divison campaign, an away trip to Court Place Farm Stadium, home of Oxford City Nomads.

The challenge will be made even tougher as Holyport are without three of their defensive regulars in goalkeeper Warren Carter, Captain Lee Ovens and Ross Crawford. Manager Derek Sweetman has acted quickly to dual register Slough Town's Jamie Jackson to act as cover between the sticks as Carl Dennison was also unavailable for Holyport.

Port Press Officer Richard Tyrell comments."Oxford City Nomads have been the best side that have visited Summerleaze this season. A fit side who pass the ball well, break with pace and are very well drilled. It will be extremely tough with OCN having picked up 38 points from a possible 48 at home and scoring on average three a game."

Sam Jones will continue his recovery with the Reserves as he looks to complete another 90 minutes after a hamstring injury.

Cup Challenge For 'Villagers' - 16 January

After a weekend off due to a frozen pitch at Henley Town, Holyport get back to action on Tuesday night in the Berks and Bucks Senior Cup Quarter Final away to Wantage Town.

The two sides met just last weekend in a 2-2 draw which saw Holyport come back from two goals down. Wantage also continued their recent form with a 2-0 win at the weekend against Shrivenham. For those who cannot make the game live updates will be broadcast at - http://www.holyportfc.co.uk/live.html
Holyport have no injuries or suspensions ahead of the game.

Triangle Task - 13 January

Holyport face the tough task of visiting one of the in-form teams in Henley Town at 'The Invesco Triangle' tomorrow.

Henley have had an impressive set of results recently which include four wins in their last five games, with the most notable wins against Binfield and Flackwell Heath.

Holyport themselves are having a fairly decent run being unbeaten in five with wins against Shrivenham and Flackwell Heath, but tomorrow sees them visit as the underdog, Henley have already beaten Holyport once coming back from one nil down to win 2-1 at Summerleaze earlier in the year. Tomorrow will be even tougher as they have several faces missing in Heywood, Flint and Jones.

Last weekend goalkeeper Warren Carter made his 100th League appearance for Holyport and in all games his 121st. Carter is yet to score in normal time but has two penalties to his name!!

The Reserves are at home to Thame United tomorrow in a 3pm Kick Off.

Form Important - 6 January 2012

After a successful Christmas period which saw Derek Sweetman's side collect seven points from nine it is now important to maintain this form against an improving Wantage Town side. 
 
The management trio of Sweetman, Carvell and Maye will for the first time this season have a selection headache as they have around 18 fit players to select from.  Britnell and Butler are back from their holidays, Carter has recovered from a groin injury, new signing Hawkins is available as is Deverall.  This will be a welcome change after struggling to fill the bench with fit players recently but this is all about adapting to life in a new league where games come thick and first.
 
After a busy start to the season the side will have a 'quieter' finish to their 2011 campaign with only four mid week games currently scheduled.  This will allow the side to train more and get over the injuries that have been niggling all season.
 
Tomorrow's game is a 3pm kick off at Summerleaze Village - SL6 8SP

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Transformation Sought - 30 December

Holyport will be looking to transform their recent away form into their home form as Shrivenham visit Summerleaze Village tomorrow in a 1pm kick off.

Holyport boss Derek Sweetman has been delighted with their two recent results away to Slimbridge and Flackwell, both of which resulted in clean sheets. Tomorrow should be a close encounter as Shrivenham sit above Port on 28 points to Ports 27. Port will need to be at their best as recent wins against Wokingham and Flackwell show their oppositions potential.

Holyport have boosted their squad with the signing of Lee Hawkins, Lee was part of the Holyport side in 2009/10

Crawford In Port - 25 December

New signing Ross Crawford is expected to be part of the Holyport squad in the Bank Holiday derby at Flackwell after transferring from Chalfont Wasps.

Holyport make the trip to Flackwell Heath on Tuesday knowing that they will need to be at their best to come away from the game with some points. Although so far this season their better performances have been against the higher placed sides and away from home. Port have secured draws away to Slimbridge, Binfield and Shortwood and also beat Ardley.

Port will be looking to build on last week's performance which secured a draw away to Slimbridge. The side matched them all the away and deserved more than the one point that came their way. Port will be with Butler, Britnell and Carter is a doubt (groin).

Must Win Task For Port - 9 December

Holyport face a must win game tomorrow at home to Witney Town in the Uhlsport Hellenic League Premier Division.

Both sides are currently struggling for a league win as Town have gone five football games without a win and Holyport six games without a win. A win will be a start to regaining some form with has been eluding Port in recent games. It seems that at current we are winning cup games when we would rather being winning league games which would see us creep up the table.

Last week a depleted squad so nearly got a point at home to a good Highworth side but a penalty in the 94th minute claimed the points for Town. Holyport are hoping to welcome back Heywood, Jerrum, Handscomb, Rapley and Deverall to the squad.

Witney have this week parted company with their manager and their squad will be looking to impress the caretaker management team with an away win, so it will be a normal hard game at Summerleaze.

Injury Qualification - 4 December

Holyport now have further cover in the therapist department as Coach Calvin Maye recently passed his FA level 2 treatment and management of injuries course.

Calvin, who also boasts a UEFA B Coaching License, has been a major cog in the successful Management team comprising of Derek Sweetman, Kevin Carville, Dave Jones (therapist) and himself. Calvin in his normal unassuming way stated he was grateful to the club for putting him through the course which will be an excellent addition to his impressive list of qualifications. To top it off he was called on to make his debut on Saturday in the final few ten minutes of the home defeat by Highworth Town and with a bit more luck MAYE have scored with his first touch in the Claret shirt.

Summerleaze Tonight - 22 November

Holyport welcome 'The Sumas' to Summerleaze tonight in Uhlsport Hellenic League action. Both sides are currently struggling for form with only 3 wins each from their last 10 league games.

The last time Wokingham & Emmbrook visited Summerleaze Holyport led 3-0 with 30 minutes to go but 'The Sumas' came back to win 4-3 and they pushed on to gain promotion that football season into the Hellenic Premier Division.

Holyport have no injury concerns after Saturday's loss to Oxford City Nomads and will be looking to improve on this display that lacked a little cohesion.

Kick off is 19.45pm at Summerleaze and the squad is from: Carter, Ovens, Bailey, Heywood, Britnell, Riddell, Jeffries, Flint, Jerrum, Handscomb, Sturgess, Butler, Wright, Rolfe, Jones, Bradley

Free Scoring Game? - 19 November

Holyport welcome free scoring Oxford City Nomads to Summerleaze today, for the Uhlsport Hellenic Football League Premier Division game.

After an impressive display against Aylesbury on Tuesday night where Butler and Deverall goals where enough to secure a 2-1 win Sweetman will be looking for repeat performance. James Flint came back into the side and rightly claimed the MOM with a fiesty display in the middle of the park. It is sure to be an entertaining game with both sides liking to get the ball forward and capable of scoring lots of goals.

Oxford average three goals per game during their league games and Holyport nearly two per game so this could well be a goal fest and a good game for a neutral.

Holyport will give a debut to new signing Lee Riddell who trained with the squad on Thursday. Holyport will be without Carter, Coull and Rapley.

Squad is: Bradley, Ovens, Heywood, Britnell, Bailey, Jerrum, Sturgess, Riddell, Flint, Butler, Handscomb, Jones, Rolfe and Jeffries.

Riddell Joins Port - 17 November

Holyport have completed the signing of experienced 29 year old utility player Lee Riddell this week as Derek Sweetman bolsters his squad.

Lee joins from Fleet Town FC where he was captain of the Southern Division One Central side and made 48 appearances during his spell. Lee was signed by Fleet Town in Feburary 2009 by then manager Andy Sinton who played for Tottenham, QPR and Wolves

Lee is an experienced player having played 61 times for Slough Town (2004 & 2007/09) where he was also captain and collected The Slough Town Trust's Player Of The Year at the end of the 2008 season. Before rejoining Slough in 2007 Lee was at Didcot Town where he moved to after leaving Ryman Premier outfit Walton & Hersham.

Driver Leaves Port - 9 November

Lewis Driver has agreed terms with Burnham FC who play in the Evo-Stik League Southern Division One Central, signing off from Port with a brace of goals last night.

Holyport have been expecting this approach since Lewis turned down Windsor Football Club at the end of September and this week Burnham made their approach through the required channels. Lewis has agreed terms with Burnham FC boss Martin Stone and played his last game for Holyport last night as they were defeated 4 – 2 by Chalfont Wasps in the Wycombe Senior Cup. Lewis went out with a brace and nearly got a hat trick.

Lewis joined Holyport in 2007 from Maidenhead United and has made 128 appearances scoring 71 goals in the process.

All at Holyport would like to thank him for his dedication and commitment throughout the seasons and wish him well with the step up and his future at Burnham.

High Hope For Tomorrow - 4 November

Holyport have an away game tomorrow at Kidlington and all of Holyport are looking forward to it.

Wins at Summerleaze have been hard to come by of late, and we seem to be doing better away from home. Being undefeated in five games with wins at Ardley, Witney and Cheltenham along with draws at Shortwood and Binfield have seen us collect 11 points from a possible 15 in the last 5 games; this is something that needs to be built on at Kidlington tomorrow.

Holyport lost their fifth consectutive game at home last night, exiting the Bluefin Challenge Cup in their third local derby in recent games. Maidenhead Utd Reserves won the match 5-4 on penalties in game that can only be described as a dire watch.

Maiden Meet For Port - 2 November

Holyport will compete in their third local derby in as many games on Thursday night. Holyport have faced Henley Town, Binfield and will now turn their attentions to Maidenhead United Reserves in the AM print & Copy Floodlit Cup.

This will be the first official meeting between the two sides and hopefully it will draw a good crowd as all the local talent will be on show.

Numerous players in both sides have played for both Maidenhead United and Holyport. Lewis Driver moved from Maidenhead to Holyport, Warren Carter moved to Maidenhead after developing with Holyport and is now back with us. Daniel Bailey was at Maidenhead last season and now plays for Port.

Players who have left Port for Maidenhead include Josh Waldron, Nathan Lishman and Lee Barney.

Holyport are also pleased to announce that OMEGA ELECTRICAL SERVICES have sponsored a new set up warm up tops for the first team.

Thursday is a 19.45pm Kick Off at Summerleaze Village.

Charitable Forwards - 31 October

Holyport forwards Lewis Driver and Jamie Wright have decided to sign up to Movember, a charity which aims to raise vital funds and awareness for men's health, specifically prostate cancer and other cancers that affect men.

Lewis not known for his facial hair has had to start his growth in October to hopefully reassemble anything like a moustache come the end of November!!. The boys have had a good start to their fundraising already hitting £345.00 in donations.

A collection box will be on that gate at all Holyport home games. Should you come to a Holyport game the lads and charity would be grateful of any donation – no matter how small.

You can donate here: http://uk.movember.com/mospace/1474190/

New Faces At Port - 22 October

Holyport have made two signings, both of whom will be in today's squad at Cheltenham Saracens. Luke Dexter and Ben Sturgess.

21 year old Luke Dexter has just completed a spell in America coaching and rejoins Holyport after a spell in 2007/08 where he made 22 appearances and scored 2 goals. Since 2008 Luke has played for Bracknell Town, Burnham FC and also Maidenhead United Reserves. Luke can play in either defence or midfield and will join the squad for the away match at Cheltenham on Saturday.

Ben Sturgess (pictured) signs from Flackwell Heath where he has made 102 appearances in three seasons and scored 16 goals. Ben is also dual registered with Slough Town who play in the Evo-Stik South League Division One Central. Ben featured in their pre season campaign, he can play in either full back position and also in midfield.

Port know the Saracens will be a tight encounter as they only won the game at Summerleaze Village one nil a few weeks ago. Port will be looking to bounce back from one nil loss in mid week.

Out To Avenge - 18 October

Holyport FC take on "The Abbots", Abingdon Town, tonight at Summerleaze. Village Kick off19:45.

After a poor display against Bracknell Town the other Saturday Holyport bounced back with a very impressive performance at Shortwood last weekend to share the points.

With the side showing their capabilities in matching Shortwood blow for blow the management will be expecting them to match the performance levels tonight and avenge the 3-0 defeat they suffered back in August away to Abingdon.

For the first time this season the management team have the option of selecting the same starting eleven as went out against Shortwood on Saturday. Sam Jones is back in the squad after recovering from his knee injury occurred during pre season and Holyport signed ex Bracknell Town and Burnham FC defender Luke Dexter yesterday to boast the squad.

A Difficult One - 14 October

After a disappointing performance at home to Bracknell Town last week that ended the mini run Holyport had been on, the Maidenhead based side will be looking to bounce back this Saturday.

The only problem is that they face a trip to second place Shortwood who have won their last ten games in the league and scored twentysix goals in the process whilst only shipping five. Holyport have already faced "The Wood" at Summerleaze this season and both sides were under strength that day but Shortwood came out deserved 2-1 winners.

Holyport can welcome back Lewis Driver who was suspended last week and Jack Jeffries who has been away. Port have doubts with Ryan Britnell (back) and Carl Reeves (knee).

Sam Jones will feature for the Reserves again after coming through 90 minutes in mid week, his first game since July after damaging his knee ligaments.

Money Is Not The Motivator - 6 October

After a tough start to life in the Hellenic Premier Division, Holyport have been rapidly improving and they received a massive boost this week with the news that striker Lewis Driver had rejected the advances of Windsor FC.

The Maidenhead Advertiser reports, Driver, who has been at the Summerleaze club since 2007, spoke with Windsor after boss Keith Scott made an official aproach for the frontman. But, after a bit of soul-searching, he decided to stay at the club he loves.

Driver said: "I had a chat with Keith and he asked if I fancied coming over. But after a while I decided to stay. I've been here so long now, I love this club and I want to enjoy my football. I think he (Scott) said I have no ambition but I'm playing in a team that's at the exact same level as Windsor. I'm at a club that's going places. It would have been a sideways step."

If Driver had made the move to Stag Meadow, he would have started earning money for his football. But he insists that is not something that bothers him. He said: "No one gets paid at Holyport, everyone is on the same playing field. I just think the atmosphere here is so great. I rang and asked a lot of the players what they thought and they all said they wouldn't hold it against me. They told me to go and earn some money. But in the end that was what made my mind up. They are the type of people I want to be playing with, not people who are at clubs for all the wrong reasons."

The decision to stay has clearly had a good effect on Driver as he has scored three goals in his last two games. On Saturday, he scored one in a crazy 13-minute spell which saw Holyport score five times as they beat Ardley United 5-1. They were trailing 1-0 at the time but then Callum Coull and Jamie Handscomb both struck twice, adding to Driver's goal as Port cruised to the win.

Then on Tuesday Driver was among the goals again, scoring a brace in a 3-1 win at Ascot United in the Floodlit Cup. Handscomb was also on target.

Holyport host Bracknell Town on Saturday.

Driver Parked At Port - 30 September

Following an approach from Windsor FC and then having talks with Windsor manager Keith Scott this week, forward Lewis Driver has decided to commit to Holyport for the remainder of the season.

Lewis (left) who trained with squad last night has been with the club since the 2007/08 when he joined from Maidenhead United. Since then he has made 119 appearances and scored 63 goals for Holyport, as well as being part of the treble winning squad last season. Holyport are delighted to have him on board for the rest of the season.

Holyport travel to Ardley United tomorrow on the back of two wins against Ascot United and Cheltenham Saracens. Ardley will also be full of confidence after their 7-1 win against Bracknell Town on Tuesday night. With just four points separating the two sides it should be a close encounter. The game just four weeks ago at Summerleaze ended with Ardley 3-1 winners. But Holyport did manage two wins against Ardley in Cup competitions last season. Holyport travel with nearly a full squad, Butler is back and Wright will play for the reserves after recovering from his facial injuries during the Winslow game.

Premier New Boys Meet - 23 September

Holyport welcome fellow newly promoted Cheltenham Saracens to Summerleaze Village tomorrow. On the back of a 4-2 win against Ascot United in mid-week Holyport will be looking to add to their points tally.

Although the win against Ascot was most welcome Holyport never actually got out of first gear, and for the first quarter of the game Ascot were the better side but Holyport defended well to keep them at bay. The Sara's will come full of confidence after a 5-2 mid-week cup win but this has come at a cost as they will be missing striker Jamie Hammond and defender Sam Slender. For the first time in several weeks Port manager Derek Sweetman will have a full squad to select from.

Port can also welcome back goalkeeper Warren Carter after having a spell at Burnahm and AFC Totton.

Tuesdays Are Fine For Port - 20 September

Holyport welcome Ascot United to Summerleaze tonight in the Uhlsport Premier fixture. Holyport will gladly welcome back three players to strengthen after being back to the bare bones on Saturday when forward Jamie Handscomb stepped in at centre back alongside Dan Bailey and put in an assured performance.

For the neutral this is a must see game as in the four previous games these sides have played 23 goals have been scored, an average of 6 a game. Holyport have won both of their home Tuesday night games to date and the side will be looking to make it three to creep up the table.

Wood To Port - 16 September

Holyport welcome Shortwood United to Summerleaze Village for tomorrow's uhlsport Hellenic League Premier Division game.

After last weeks FA Vase exit where manager Sweetman was unable to call on 14 first team players Holyport had a much improved squad for Monday nights draw away to Binfield where Ryan Britnell scored a 90th minute deserved equaliser. Shortwood have won five games on the bounce in the Uhlsport Hellenic Premier, scoring 14 goals in the process. Over recent season's Shortwood have been a model of consistency with final league positions in the top 6.

Holyport are in no doubt that is will be another stern test as they adapt to life in Premier Division. Port will be without Butler, Wright and Jerrum.

Port Take On Winslow Boys - 9 September

Holyport start their campaign in the Carlsberg FA Vase on Saturday along with the other 538 teams who have entered. Holyport travel to newly promoted Winslow United of the Spartan South Midlands Division 1.

After two wins on the bounce and scoring seven goals in the process Holyport will go as the favorites but we all know that we will need to be at our best to come away from Winslow Sports Club with a win. Port will be without the suspended Dan Bailey and Ryan Britnell.

Meanwhile the reserves host Binfield reserves are Summerleaze in a 3pm kick off.

Looking For Points - 2 September

Holyport FC go on their travels again tomorrow to face Witney United. Port will be looking to collect their first away points of the season in what has been a difficult start to life in the Uhlsport Hellenic Premier.

Port have signed on Carl Reeves who featured in last seasons treble winning squad and he is in the squad for tomorrows game. Carl trained on Thursday and looked sharp.

Holyport will be missing Dan Bailey through suspension.

Champagne Milestone - 1 September

Though bowing out of th FA cup at the innaugural attempt the honour of being Holyports first ever goal scorer in the FA Cup was bestowed to Jamie Wright.

Jamie (now 23) also has the record of being the youngest player to play for the club making his debut at their old ground, Braywick Park, at the tender age of 15, an achievement that will not be surpassed while the current minimum age for registration is 16.

While warming up as a substitute at Larges Lane Roger Coombs of club sponsors Thakrar Coombs promised him a bottle of champagne if he scored the first ever goal, Jamie must like a drop of fizz as he obliged with a bullet header, his first contribution to the match, within a minute of entering the fray.

The picture attached sees Wright collect his momento from Roger Coombs prior to Bank Holiday's game against Ardley United.

Well done Jamie!!!

First At Home Tonight - 23 August

Holyport welcome 'The Greens' of Kidlington FC to Summerleaze Village for their first ever Hellenic Premier Division game at home on Tuesday night.

The two sides could not have had more contrasting starts, Holyport have played three games this season narrowly losing two and going down 4-1 on Saturday in the Budweiser FA Cup, whereas Kidlington have won all three of their games and scoring seven goals in the process. Holyport will be looking to put Saturday's disappointing display behind them and pick up their first point of the season. Holyport we be without Lewis Driver, Callum Coull, Sam Jones and Matt Rolfe is a doubt.

The First 8 Miles On Wembley Way - 20 August

Holyport face an eight mile trip to local Uhlsport Hellenic Premier side Wokingham and Emmbrook today in the FA Cup, sponsored by Budweiser.

After entering the competition for the first time in their history last season and being on the wrong end of a 2 - 0 score line to East Grinstead FC, Holyport will be looking to make it their first ever win in the FA Cup tomorrow. Both sides are without a win this season so on paper the game can go either way. Wokingham will be looking to bounce back from their 3-2 defeat at Thame on Tuesday and Port likewise from their 1-0 defeat at Highworth Town. Holyport do have some injury concerns over Driver and Rolfe after the away trip to Highworth Town on Tuesday and Sam Jones is a long term absentee (knee)

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Worthians Next Up - 16 August

Holyport visit Highworth Town tonight in their second away game of the season. After Saturdays titanic effort by the side that played for 70 minutes with ten men Holyport showed that they have nothing to fear from the Uhlsport Hellenic Premier.

As Wantage commented after the game in their match report…."it was a good win ultimately for Town, against spirited opposition who will cause many sides problems this season." Kevin Carvell will be taking the reins tonight in Derek Sweetman's absence and Kevin knows just how difficult a ground Highworth is to take points away from. Saying that, as against Wantage, Holyport will travel and will be playing for a win.

Alfredians Baptise Port - 12 August

Holyport will begin their first ever Uhlsport Hellenic Premier campaign with a trip to last seasons champions Wantage Town.

Everyone at Holyport is really looking forward to the season and we could not have been given a tougher start against last year's champions. Manager Sweetman commented that "Wantage are a very useful side and we will need to be at our best, we will give them the credit they fully deserve but at the same time we will be going all out to try and give them something to think about".

After an impressive display at Penn & Tylers in Ports last pre season game the side will be quietly confident of putting in a good display. Goals from Jamie Wright, Steve Deverall 2, Stuart Butler 2 and Lee Jerrum made it a convincing 6-1 win.

This will be a historic day for Holyport FC and everyone at Holyport are very proud to be in the Uhlsport Hellenic Premier League. Holyport will travel without Sam Jones (knee).

Holyport Signings - 8 August

Holyport completed their pre-season fixtures with an emphatic 6-1 win at Penn & Tylers Green on Saturday. Port goalscorers were Jamie Wright, Steve Deverall 2, Stuart Butler 2 and Lee Jerrum.

Penn fielded three players who were part of last seasons Holyport Championship winning side youngsters Sharpe and Ackerman have been joined by Jonny Mason who transferred to the Tylers on the day. These three have been replaced with ex Henley Town player Paul Abbott, Callum Coull from Flackwell Heath, Dan Bailey & Ben Murphy both ex Maidenhead United and the returning, from a long lay off due to injury Rob Crawford all three will be a major asset to strengthening Derek Sweetman's the squad.

Injury Brings Game To A Halt - 15 July

This game was drawing to a satisfactory conclusion following a good work out for both sides until in the 83rd minute when a freak injury to Wasps defender Matthew Wright soured the otherwise excellent evening. A good attendance of 51 had been thoroughly entertained by two young sides playing attractive UHL Hellenic League football, well refereed by Alex Groves, until a goal bound pile driver from Ben Ridley caught the outstretched leg of the unfortunate Wright resulting in what is expected to be a broken ankle.

The ambulance crew speedily arrived on the scene to take Matthew, accompanied by Chalfont secretary Bob Cakebread to Wexham Park hospital. Holyport Football Club wishes Matthew a speedy recovery and Bob a couple of good, early nights, to catch up on his much need beauty sleep.

Holyport Reserves will play Chalfont Reserves in Division 2 next season and as Matthew was being driven away he commented "I shall be back, perhaps to score the winner" mind you he had received a good dose of gas and air before hand.